Boldly Share the JOY of JESUS!

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Are you drinking it boldly or timidly? 

            Some people are timid and shy by nature.  Others never seem to meet a stranger.  They have the gift of gab and can easily carry on a conversation.  UNTIL the subject of God or faith comes up.  Then it seems that many people are at a loss for words.  Even those who proclaim to be Christians, sometimes find themselves stammering and stuttering…or changing the subject.

            The book of 2 Timothy was a letter written by Paul to encourage Timothy.  Timothy was pastor of the church at Ephesus and was facing great opposition, because of his youth and his association with Paul!  His leadership had come under attack, not only from non-believers, but from fellow Christians, as well. Paul was writing to  encourage Timothy to be bold— to not be intimidated.

            When we are living for Christ and are striving to be a consistent example, we will at one time or another come under fire.  If we allow people to intimidate us, our effectiveness is neutralized.  We need to realize that “in our weakness, HE is strong”; let’s allow the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our fear of what some might say or do.  Then we can move forward with boldness to continue what God has called us to do.

            As Paul said in verses 7-8 of 2 Timothy 1: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord…”

            Boldly drink in the JOY of the Lord and always be ready to share that joy with others!